New Books Give Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses Into Three Presidencies

There are a number of new-release book quotes raising eyebrows here in Washington. The New York Daily News reports that early excerpts of a book about first lady Michelle Obama claim she shot down the idea of Hillary Clinton as a potential vice president, opting instead for Joe Biden.

Mrs. Obama reportedly asked her husband: "Do you really want Bill and Hillary just down the hall from you in the White House? Could you live with that?"

Author Christopher Anderson writes Mrs. Obama's opposition possibly was the deciding factor in the debate. She also advocated for the campaign slogan, "Yes We Can," after her husband considered it childish and corny.

Mrs. Obama persisted, saying: "It will work. Trust me."

Story Telling

A speechwriter for former President George W. Bush is telling tales and taking fire from both parties. Matt Latimer writes after one of candidate Obama's blistering speeches about the Bush administration, the former president said: "This is a dangerous world. This cat isn't remotely qualified to handle it. This guy has no clue, I promise you."

And Latimer writes that the Bushes bonded with former President Bill Clinton. Lattimer writes that former President Clinton called President Bush at the White House and, "kvetched about Obama during the primaries against Hillary."

Latimer quotes President Bush saying of the No. 2 man on the Democratic ticket: "If bull (expletive) was currency, Joe Biden would be a billionaire."

And of former President Jimmy Carter's ad hoc Middle East diplomacy efforts, President Bush is quoted as saying: "If I'm ever 82 years old and acting like that — have someone put me away."

The book has ruffled feathers in both parties. Former Bush press secretary Dana Perino tells FOX News: "Loyalty is a prized value — beware the quiet guy in the room." And Former Clinton aide James Carville says of Latimer: "I think this little dweeb needs to be glove-slapped."

Party Like It's 1995

An upcoming book about Bill Clinton relays an interesting tale of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

USA Today reports that Mr. Clinton says Yeltsin's late-night drinking during a visit to Washington in 1995 nearly created an international incident: "The Russian president was staying at Blair House, the government guest quarters. Late at night, Clinton told (author Taylor) Branch — Secret Service agents found Yeltsin clad only in his underwear — standing alone on Pennsylvania Avenue and trying to hail a cab. He wanted a pizza — he told them — his words slurring."